Events

Blog Posts

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Read article: Take advantage of living in a small pond
Take advantage of living in a small pond
For young adults or their parents, small towns may not seem like the most exciting places to live compared to the big city. However, they offer...
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Read article: Boost your brand: Marketing for small-business owners
Boost your brand: Marketing for small-business owners
Running a small business is no easy feat. With a never-ending to-do list, promotional planning often takes a backseat. Unfortunately, this lack of...
Read article: Clean water costs money –⁠ Here's how communities calculate water rates
Clean water costs money –⁠ Here's how communities calculate water rates
Over a decade ago, I was sitting in a city council meeting in Illinois and on the agenda was a water rate increase. Over-pumping deep groundwater...
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Read article: Digital Navigator provided professional development for Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists
Digital Navigator provided professional development for Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists
Video conferencing may have seen a burst of use during recent years, but its popularity hasn’t waned much. Today, educational, social, and...

News Releases

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Elmwood gears up for increased tourism with Illinois Extension
PEORIA, Ill. - Elmwood is a small town in west central Peoria County, with a population close to 2,000 people. It has a wealth of cultural arts and natural assets that attract tourists. Students in the Sustainability and Rural Tourism course in the University of Illinois Department of Recreation...
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Small businesses can gain valuable lessons at OSHA Basics 101 workshop
PEKIN, Ill. – Small business owners take on a lot of different roles and responsibilities. It can become overwhelming at times to manage it all. The safety and well-being of their employees is an essential aspect of any business owner. The Occupational Safety and...

Videos

Transitioning Energy Economies: Rural Clean Energy (2023)

Co-hosts: University of Illinois Extension, Prairie Rivers Network, Just Transition Fund, USDA Rural Development

This webinar series will explore state and federal opportunities related to the energy transition, including clean energy programs, transportation electrification, and other...

Staff

Mark White

Mark White

Interim Assistant Dean and Program Leader, Community and Economic Development
Amanda Cole

Amanda Cole

Strategy, Planning and Implementation Assistant Director
Zachary Kennedy

Zachary Kennedy

Extension State Specialist, Community and Economic Development